I was part of a discussion about prayer recently. One element of the discussion was the extent to which our prayers are directed at our character rather than our circumstances.

Whilst this is not simply an either/or issue, I want to suggest the proper emphasis is on character. My conclusion on reading scripture is that God’s primary objective is our character. He uses circumstances to hone our character.

Paul’s apostolic priority is stated in Gal 4.19. He writes “my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” Here are the words of a ‘spiritual midwife’ longing for perfection for those in his care. Similarly, in Rom 8.29; “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Paul describes Christ as the prototype (literal word for first-born), of whom we are to be duplicates.

Those two verses alone seem to set the agenda for numerous other scriptures.

Paul writes to the Philippians; “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” Phil 2.14-15). The best response to being ‘strangers’ in this world is to demonstrate the likeness of Jesus Christ, bringing light into dark places. In writing to the Church in Colosse; “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Col 3.12),” adding forbearance and love and peace into the mix in the next verses. If we claim to be God’s people, God’s representatives, our obligation is express that in godly characteristics.

The apostle Peter adds similar instructions; “be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Pet 4.7-9).” James speaks of spiritual wisdom thus: “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3.17).”

Lest we think this is only a New Testament emphasis, David asks “who shall dwell on your holy hill?” and answers: “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbour, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; (Psalm 15.2-3).

In responding to a different question, the Psalmist insists that God does not delight in “sacrifice and offering:” “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart (Psalm 40.7-8).”

As we embrace God’s priority for our lives, let us pray with confidence that He will surely fulfil all He has promised in and for us.

“I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” (Genesis 45.3)

When Joseph makes himself known to his brothers, his first question concerns his father, not checking on the sheep, nor the weather in Canaan, but his family, starting with Dad. Earlier he had been “deeply moved” at seeing his younger brother Benjamin (45.30).

There are a series on incidents in the gospels when Christ meets those who sole concern is the well-being of one who is both near and dear. I made the bold claim recently that prayers for close family are given priority in Heaven! My conclusion is this: When you read the gospels, the vast majority of prayer requests brought to Christ are for close family. I suggest this is no accident, and reflects the Father’s heart for family.

Some examples:

• Jairus – ‘my little daughter’ (Mark 5.23)
• Canaanite (Syro-Phoenician) woman – ‘my daughter’ (Matt 15.21)
• After the transfiguration, when Jesus meets a father, who cries out – ‘Lord, have mercy on my son” (Matt 17.15)
• The mother of Zebedee’s sons – ‘these two sons of mine’ (Matt 20.21)

The scriptures provide a ‘way of life.’ Walk in it.

I read this provocative article some time ago. The background was the widespread ‘lockdown’ across much of the western world in light of the covid-19 pandemic. The writer highlighted that one consequence of this lockdown is the acceleration of the secularisation of our world. In particular, Church leaders necessarily have less time to spend with their people, less time to directly influence their thinking and habits, less time to spot unhelpful influences taking root, etc.

At about the same time, I read J. Sidlow Baxter’s Rethinking our priorities. This book, written during the 1970s bemoans certain weaknesses developing in Church in the USA.I cannot comment on how different the UK Church was at that time. However, in his final chapter, Preach the Word, Baxter highlights an important practice which he feared was being neglected. That was simply the private reading of the Bible.

Reading the Bible is not the same as studying the Bible. For those of us who are not Church leaders, Bible reading should take precedence over study. Our calling and our responsibilities and commitments do not usually allow time for extended study. So reading is especially important.

Baxter suggests three great benefits of regular, consecutive reading, to which I add my own comments in light of the more recent article.

We gain a vivid sense of the presence of God in history. Our God is not absent. Deism is the view that implies that God created everything and then stood back, no longer interested. I do not accept Deism as a true understanding of our world. The God and Father of Jesus Christ is present and involved. Indeed, in the week in which I am writing, I can point to specific answers to prayer. Whatever our circumstances, God is here, present, active, loving and good.

We gain a profound awareness of the divine sovereignty. Our God is ultimately in charge of the world and its affairs. That is not an easy thing to appreciate when we see so much which seems wrong. Yet we pray, ‘Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven,’ as Christ taught us to. Although there remains much that is not subject to Him (Hebrews 2.8) there will come a time when all is subject to God.

We receive a comprehensive grasp of divine revelation. Our God speaks. His word remains relevant. Our times are not so ‘unprecedented’ (a word that has been frequently used this year) that God’s word ceases to be relevant. Indeed, the Bible has very many examples of confinement and restriction! God’s ways of love and compassion, mercy and justice, goodness and holiness, remain the standard for living.

So, get into the word. Read it. Consecutively. Read a few (or more) chapters at once. Read one gospel over a weekend. Let the flow of divine revelation saturate your thinking. Let the words of the Bible hold sway over other content (news, opinion, entertainment, etc).

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/churches-battle-form-christians/